Smoking cessation counselling--a role for the dental profession?

Abstract

Whilst several studies have investigated the views of North American dentists on providing advice to patients on stopping smoking, the role of their UK counterparts in this area is uncertain. Thus this study aimed: 1. to examine dentists' awareness of the effect of smoking on general and oral health, 2. to determine their views on counselling patients to give up smoking, 3. to investigate the extent to which they currently engage in this activity, and 4. to survey barriers to providing such advice. Data were collected via a postal questionnaire mailed to 587 Scottish dental practitioners, of which 448 (76.3%) were completed and returned. The importance of smoking as a cause of ill health and death was acknowledged universally, and most were aware of the adverse consequences of smoking on the oral tissues. Over half the respondents (245 or 54.7%) thought dentists had a role in counselling patients to give up smoking and whilst 107 (23.8%) were uncertain, the remaining 95 (21.2%) felt this was outside their remit. Nonetheless, 384 (85.6%) reported that, at least occasionally, they advised patients to quit. Lack of time was seen as an important barrier to tobacco counselling, as was lack of training. Further studies are required to determine the most useful strategies or approaches, and to determine their effectiveness.

Smoking cessation advice: knowledge, attitude and practice among clinical dental students

“…3,[17][18][19] This practice has not always been reported by UK dentists -only 6% of Scottish dentists always recorded smoking history and 35% never did. 20 There was more variation among students in advising patients to stop smoking. Recommendations for health care professionals are that all smokers be advised to quit, 17 and the study reported here does not refl ect this.…”

Patients' knowledge and views about the effects of smoking on their mouths and the involvement of their dentists in smoking cessation activities

“…Other effects of smoking are not as visible and tangible as the oral effects. 3,10 Dentists should not hesitate to give smoking advice to their patients and grasp this opportunity to improve the oral and general health of the community.…”

General health promotion in general dental practice — The involvement of the dental team Part 2: A qualitative and quantitative investigation of the views of practice principals in South Yorkshire

“…Early 9,10 and more recent studies 11 found that the percentage of dentists involved in smoking cessation was considerably lower than those who felt they had a role to play in such activity. However, involvement is increasing.…”

“…12,13 Frequently reported barriers to being involved in smoking cessation include pressures of time and finance. 9,13,14 Lack of training and possible adverse effects on the dentist-patient relationship have been identified as barriers for both smoking cessation 9,10,14 and inquiring on alcohol consumption. 12 A similar trend has been reported for involvement in blood pressure monitoring.…”